National Workshop on Christian Unity records, 1964 -- 2008

Collection context

Creator:
National Workshop on Christian Unity
Abstract:
This collection contains minutes, proceedings, speeches, administrative and financial records, promotional materials, correspondence, and other records pertaining to the National Workshop on Christian Unity, an annual event that encourages ecumenical discussion and networking.
Extent:
3.75 linear feet (3.75 linear feet; 8 boxes)
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains minutes, proceedings, speeches, administrative and financial records, promotional materials, correspondence, and other records pertaining to the National Workshop on Christian Unity, an annual event that encourages ecumenical discussion and networking. A vast majority of the records from 1970-1980s derive from the files of NWCU member, Reverend George Sheridan. The most documented conference is the 2008 conference held in Chicago, Illinois, which includes speaker files, registration files, and planning committee records.

Biographical / historical:

In 1962, Pope John XXIII (the Thirteenth) called a Vatican council to discuss the stance of the Catholic Church in modern times. The council, which was the second council ever held, was significant because it positioned the church as a democratic institution and promoted Christian unity. In 1964, in response to the ideas put forth by this council which was otherwise known as Vatican II, Roman Catholic leaders in the United States held the first National Workshop on Christian Unity. This workshop was entitled Vatican II and the Ecumenical Movement and was held in Baltimore, Maryland. The primary purpose of the workshop was to train Roman Catholic leaders in the ecumenical ministry. The workshop grew every year and in 1969, the committee decided to invite other Christian leaders into the conversation. The workshop functioned much like a conference in that it included seminars, worship services and other activities, but it kept an informal atmosphere. Some of the topics that were addressed in these earlier workshops were conversions, joint worship and ecumenical education. In 1971, the first formal national committee was formed and the Association of Denominational Ecumenical Officers (NEO) began to sponsor the workshop along with other local archdiocese. The workshop continued to rotate throughout the nation and included various denominations. Other later sessions included topics such as mixed marriages, Christian-Jewish relations, black churches, abortion, busing and women's role in the church. Today, the workshop has expanded to Canadian provinces and features the participation of Christian churches such as African Methodists, Greek-Orthodox and Evangelical Lutherans. Through addressing contemporary issues it keeps the ecumenical discussion relevant and current.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Onsite storage.

Terms of access:

Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.

Preferred citation:

Item description, WAB: National Workshop on Christian Unity records, box #, folder #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
Before you visit:
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Contact:
burke@library.columbia.edu